Parker launches new 'automation on tour' roadshow

07 May, 2015

The Automation Group of Parker Hannifin has launched an exhibition vehicle tour with the objective of taking its latest products directly to customer convenient locations. Encompassing over 200 products and solutions offered from the five divisions within the Parker Automation Group, the roadshow represents significant opportunities for existing and new Parker customers to experience an extensive portfolio of automation products.

From air preparation to motion controller the new exhibition vehicle showcases products in an innovative and professional way through clearly laid out display boards and interactive zones. The whole visitor experience has been designed to be hands on, allowing customers to experience product quality first hand.

Europe-wide road trip

Robert Stoppek, recently appointed Automation Group VP of European operations and Brian Hurley, general manager of Parker SSD Europe officially launched the tour at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Parker’s facility in Littlehampton. In advance of the official launch, Parker sales teams have been busy arranging the details of its first tour; a Europe-wide road trip stopping at 13 countries in 32 weeks including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, Italy and the UK.

The core concept of the tour is to present a mobile exhibition space, very much like a stand that customers would usually encounter at a trade show. In today’s modern, fast paced environment it is becoming more challenging for customers to spare the time needed to visit trade shows. This tour brings the trade show experience to the customer, saving them valuable time.

Designed from the ground up

The tour has been designed from the ground up to reflect Parker’s modern approach to technology. Built on a fuel-efficient, Euro 6 compliant vehicle platform, the 48m2 of exhibition space is created by two extending pods which, when in show mode, create a fully air conditioned, comfortable, light and airy space. The 5 hydraulically controlled axes are powered by Parker technology; in this case the new Parker Electro-Hydraulic Pump (EHP) System comprising a GVM motor, MC mobile drive and a hydraulic pump.

Aimed at distributors, end users and OEM facilities, the exhibition vehicle features a cleverly designed modular display system which can be customised depending on the needs of the audience. An impressive 18 clearly presented displays (from 30 on-board) can be on show at any one time, each representing a product series or category.

Interactive display boards also provide an engaging introduction to Parker technologies through variable speed drive and pneumatic ‘air-saver’ product demonstrations. The on-board iPads give visitors a virtual, interactive product display tour, facilitated by an app developed in-house. A HTML 5 version of the interactive display app is available to view online at www.parker.com/auge/ontour.

Breadth of solutions

“As a company typically well-known for hydraulic products and solutions, the launch of our brand new ‘automation focused’ exhibition vehicle underpins our commitment to ensure that our customers are fully aware of the breadth of solutions the Group offers,” said Stoppek. “As a pioneering engineering company that prides itself on both quality and innovation, it was imperative for Parker that our whole tour including the vehicle reflects this. What we have created is an essential tool that our sales teams can be proud of and our customers will enjoy spending time in.”